Bullfighting in Mexico

Excitement, bravery, and a cultural legacy

Bull jumping over the burladero (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The golden age

In Mexico from the 1940s to the 1960s, bullfighting was a captivating spectacle that attracted movie stars and competed with other popular sports of the time. This period left a romantic imprint on the history of bullfighting.

Silverio Pérez (1958)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Legends

During this period, renowned world-class bullfighters emerged, such as Silverio Pérez, the famed 'Faraón' ('Pharaoh') of Texcoco, Fermín Espinoza Armillita, Luis Castro 'El Soldado' ('The Soldier'), Joselito Huerta, and Jorge 'El Ranchero' ('The Rancher') Aguilar.

Fermín Espinoza "Armillita" (1945)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

In the annals of history

These brave Mexican bullfighters rivaled their Spanish counterparts of the time, such as Luis Miguel Dominguín, Manolete, and Manuel Benítez El Cordobés, and were even considered popular 'idols'.

Bullfighting chronicler Pepe Alameda (1955)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Romance and modernization in Mexico

The golden age of bullfighting coincided with economic growth and a transformation from rural to urban in Mexico. The bullfighting arenas had a larger capacity than the soccer stadiums. The romanticism of bullfighting prevailed in a country undergoing modernization.

Panoramic view of Plaza Mexico (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The grand venue

It is important to remember that, before the inauguration of the Olympic Stadium in 1952, the largest venue in Mexico City (and the entire country) was the Monumental Plaza de Toros México, which opened in 1946.

Attendance records

With a capacity of 46,000 spectators, the Monumental Plaza de Toros México far surpassed its predecessor, El Toreo de la Condesa, which had a capacity of about 25,000 spectators. The Azteca Stadium surpassed this record in 1966 with a capacity of 105,000.

The public applauding (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Idols of the people

Although not just anyone could be a bullfighter, 'tauromaquia' (bullfighting) was present in Mexican everyday life. Children imitated their bullfighting idols in the streets, adults debated in taverns, and movie theaters showed exciting bullfights in Mexico, Spain, and South America.

Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” in a bullfight (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Cinematic bullfighting

Cantinflas' movies, such as 'Neither Blood nor Sand' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days', masterfully captured the romantic essence of bullfighting. Other films, like 'The Young and the Damned' and 'Dos Tipos de Cuidado' ('Two Guys to be Afraid of') also passionately explored the world of bullfighting.

María Félix and Agustín Lara (1948)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Showbiz and stardom

Deeply rooted in Mexican society, bullfights attracted personalities like María Félix. Bullfighters like Manuel Capetillo ventured into cinema, while national and international actresses experienced passionate romances with renowned bullfighters.

The singer Lola Beltrán (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Forbidden romance

The passionate romance between Lola Beltrán and Alfredo Leal stood out as one of the most talked-about of the era. The bullfighting world had the power to captivate hearts.

María Félix and Agustín Lara (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Bullfighting melodies

Bullfights inspired prominent Mexican composers like Agustín Lara, who wrote famous pasodobles such as 'Silverio,' 'Novillero,' 'Granada,' and 'Madrid.' His romantic music has endured over time, transporting us to the allure of bullfighting.

The actress Miroslava (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Identity crisis

In the end, bullfighting continued to be popular until the 1990s. However, with the advent of the new century, new imported entertainments and a heightened new sensitivity to animal life caused a crisis in the sport.

Faena de Francisco “Curro” Rivera (1969)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Learning from history

In the midst of the debate over the ban on bullfighting, delving into the 'golden age' gives us an understanding of how Mexican society enjoyed and built its identity in its leisure time.

Sketch by the sculptor Humberto Peraza (1950) by Humberto PerazaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The romantic world of bullfighting

Beyond the controversy surrounding bullfighting, immersing ourselves in this fascinating journey allows us to explore a romantic world steeped in tradition and passion, connecting us with the nationalist narrative of 20th-century Mexico.

Panoramic view of Plaza Mexico (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Bullfighting in Mexico:

The 'golden age' of bullfighting in Mexico was an exciting period that united tradition and national identity, leaving a significant cultural legacy in the 20th century.

Credits: Story

This story was created with information and support from  Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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